Why Audiences Love Dr. Allison Fleetwood
Dr. Allison Fleetwood’s impact goes far beyond the stage- she sparks transformation. After hearing her speak, students feel empowered to embrace their voice, educators reconnect with their passion for teaching, and arts communities unite with renewed purpose and creativity.
What makes Dr. Allison Fleetwood’s message so powerful?
Joy
She is a person of vision and has built a world-class theatre program. The size of our small community has never limited her dream and ability to take our students to the highest level of achievement. Dr. Fleetwood collaborates with community members to provide new experiences for students and our community.
-Dr. Lori Elliott
Teacher, Professional Development Speaker
Authenticity
Dr. Fleetwood has a divine gift for finding misfits cast out by “in-crowds,” dusting them off through encouragement, cultivating their artistic gifts, teaching them to work alongside those from whom they are different, and show them that they are valuable and worthy of love.
-Mr. Jon Spence
Former Student and Colleague
Growth
She is a firm believer in creating a school and classroom culture that fosters creativity, diverse ideas, and acceptance. Students are encouraged to lead their own lives and make a difference in others. She provides students tools to develop their own voice. Plus, she has a keen sense of detecting and calling out the strengths of others so that they can grow as individuals.
-Dr. Kevin Kopp
Assistant Superintendent, Nixa Public Schools
Dr. Allison Fleetwood is an award-winning educator, director, and performer with over 20 years of classroom and educational leadership experience. Holding a Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership and Instruction, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Theatre Education she currently serves as Department Head for one of Missouri’s most renowned theatre departments, where she teaches courses including Drama, Acting, Dual Credit Theatre, Advanced Acting, and Dance. She also serves as Head of Operations for an acclaimed regional theatre, where she manages national productions and developed a unique program, providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, shadow professionals, and work directly with touring productions. Dr. Fleetwood is a leader in the Arts Integration Initiative, which provides professional development strategies for innovative arts incorporation for all grade levels.
Dr. Fleetwood has been recognized for excellence in education, including her most recent opportunities during the last 25-26 year:
- One of a handful of speakers chosen to speak at the International Creativity Conference in Italy.
Excellence in Theatre Education Honorable Mention 2026 presented by the Tony Awards
The Excellence in Theatre Education Award, sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, is presented each year by the Tony Awards. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other leaders from the theatre industry selects the winner, based on candidates submitted by members of the public.
Additional recognition and awards in previous years include:
- 2025 Theatre Teacher of the Year for Missouri
- Recipient of the 2024 Arts Council Excellence in Arts Education award
- 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist.
- In 2023 she served to address crucial challenges in public education as Missouri’s representative on the U.S. Department of Education Regional Advisory Committee under Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona.
Dr. Allison Fleetwood By the Numbers
Years inspiring students through theatre and education
Musicals directed with casts of all sizes and ages
Hours spent in rehearsal
Award-Winning Readers Theatre Productions recognized regionally and statewide
Students Taught
Alumni Working in the Arts as performers, educators, and creative professionals
Student Teachers Mentored & Inspired now shaping classrooms of their own
Professional Productions Managed as Head of Operations at a regional theatre
Conference Sessions Presented nationwide on theatre, creativity, and leadership
Standing Ovations from students, educators, and audiences